How to Remove Honey Stains

Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners known to man. A product of honey bees, this amber liquid is harvested and used in a variety of ways. You can easily remove honey stains from a variety of surfaces with a few simple tips and tricks. The sticky nature of the honey makes it difficult to clean up otherwise, as the more you try to wipe it up, the stickier the mess becomes.

Removing Honey Stains from Fabric

Honey can easily drip and spill on fabric and clothing. There are two considerations when dealing with honey stains. First, you will need to remove the stickiness. Second, the honey may discolor the fabric, especially white or light colors. The key to easily remove a honey stain from fabric is to treat the stain as soon as possible.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

Blunt knife

Prewash stain treatment

Heavy-duty laundry detergent

Chlorine or color-safe bleach

Use a blunt knife to carefully scrape any excess honey from the surface of the fabric. Use caution to avoid spreading the honey over a larger area. Flush the stain under cold, running water from the backside of the stain. This will help to loosen and remove the excess honey. Saturate the stained area with prewash stain treatment. Allow to penetrate the stain for several minutes. Immediately wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Inspect carefully for any discoloration before placing in the dryer. If there is a lingering stain, do not dry in the dryer. The heat may cause the stain to set, making it difficult to remove. Instead, wash the fabric again with the appropriate bleach for the fabric type.

Removing Honey Stains from Upholstery

When honey spills on upholstery, try to resist the urge to grab a towel and try wiping it up. This will often just spread the stickiness over a larger area. Instead, head to the kitchen and grab a few simple items to remove honey from upholstery.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

Blunt knife

Clean, white towels

Mild dishwashing detergent

Use the blunt knife to carefully lift off any excess honey from the surface of the upholstery. Avoid rubbing it in or spreading it out. Once the excess honey is removed, you can work to remove the remaining honey from the upholstery fabric.

Dip a folded with towel into the detergent solution. Sponge over the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the carpet tufts.

Blot with a dry, clean towel until all moisture is absorbed.

Repeat sponging and blotting until the stain is removed.

If the stain persists, create a solution of one tablespoon clear ammonia and two cups warm water. Sponge over the honey stain with a clean, white towel. Blot with a dry towel. Repeat the process until the stain is removed. Thoroughly rinse the cleaned area by sponging with a towel dampened with fresh, cold water. Blot dry using a clean towel.

Removing Spilled Honey from Hard Surfaces

Honey spills can create a sticky mess. The more you try to clean it up, the stickier it becomes. Residue often remains, trapping dirt and creating a sticky surface. Heat and vinegar combine to cut through the stickiness and leave your hard surfaces spotless.

What You'll Need Before You Start:

Clean, white cloths

Extremely hot water

White vinegar

Household surface cleaner

Dampen a clean cloth in extremely hot water. Work quickly, using the cloth to remove as much honey from the surface as possible. Work from the outside and move toward the center. This helps to keep the honey from spreading. You may need to use several cloths, depending on the size of the spill.

Saturate a clean, dry cloth with white vinegar. Wipe the affected are to remove any honey residue.

Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with hot water.

Clean using a household surface cleaner appropriate for the surface.

Honey can create a sticky situation. Removing honey stains is a simple task with a few tips and some normal household products. Work quickly and efficiently, and you will enjoy the sweet without the worry of the sticky.